I learned a lesson recently: the art of asking, in the face of seemingly impossible obstacles, “What can I do?” This takes my focus from the barriers to what is possible.

The story of the Gävle in Sweden helps us see that since the very beginning, Christmas has been under siege. In large and small ways, we’re all guilty of shooting flaming arrows.

We often view receiving gifts—especially of assistance, necessities or financial help—as signs of weakness.

Several news stories, a few of our Cross Examination columns, three features, and an As I Was Saying blog post captured the most attention in The Banner’s web-published articles this year.

A good pastor is hard to find—in art, at least, if not life.

An Indigenous Cree and follower of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) reflects on the two lenses needed to consider the news of “no human remains found” at a Canadian residential school.

If we use our imagination, it’s possible to see loon calls as symbols of our calls to and from God. The more I explore them, the more similarities I see.

When dealing with family trauma, should Christians choose self-preservation or self-denial?

I looked at it as an opportunity to assess what needs were being met and to ask, were we providing an important experience for our congregation and neighborhood?

Certainly there were enjoyable moments reminiscent of synods past, but this was the most brutal of the four synods I have yet attended.

This plant can’t be left to its own devices or it will overtake every inch of ground it can.

The fact that more people—almost 200 more—participated in this year’s survey is heartening. Check out some of the results here.

I received an unexpected letter in the mail in mid-January.

North Korea has returned to the top of the World Watch List with its highest-ever persecution score after an increased number of arrests of Christians under its ‘anti-reactionary thought’ law.

Thirteen of the 25 most-accessed online Banner stories in 2022 had to do with Synod 2022, which recommended the human sexuality report and declared that “unchastity” includes homosexual sex.

When the wind of passion leaves our sails, we beat the oars.

In her one question, I felt listened to, cared for, and not alone—and our conversation continued for quite a while.

How different my own mealtime prayers feel from the solemn longing of the men of Gondor. I suspect many of us might feel the same.

Now that I am co-managing my own household with young kids, I wonder regularly, could my babysitter have been sincerely grateful for the atmosphere at my childhood home?

These stories, some of which he told in his 1967 bestselling book God’s Smuggler, only scratch the surface of Andrew’s adventurous personality and the contributions he made to the church.

I think it is time to publicly reply to these questions about why we publish articles on issues where the denomination disagrees to benefit a wider audience.

Read the winning essay from this year’s Young Adult Writing Contest.

Read the second-place essay from this year’s Young Adult Writing Contest.